Another patient admitted with Congo Virus in Quetta

QUETTA: In a concerning development, the number of confirmed cases of Congo virus in Quetta, Balochistan, has risen to 41.

A 45-year-old resident of Kuchlak Khani Baba, Quetta, named Gul Hasan, was admitted to the Fatima Jinnah Hospital today after testing positive for the deadly disease.

This alarming increase in cases has sent shockwaves through the province, where 15 people have already lost their lives to the virus this year.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that Congo fever, caused by a tick-borne virus known as nairovirus, can lead to severe viral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks, with a case fatality rate ranging from 10 to 40 percent.

Individuals infected with the Congo virus often experience symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, dizziness, neck pain, stiffness, backache, headache, sore eyes, and photophobia (sensitivity to light). Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sore throat, and sharp mood swings are also common signs of the disease.

Two more diagnosed with Congo virus in Quetta

The virus is believed to have a broad range of hosts among wild and domestic animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, and other livestock. According to the WHO, the virus is transmitted to humans through tick bites or contact with infected animal blood or tissues, especially during and immediately after slaughter.

Despite the growing threat, there is currently no vaccine available for either humans or animals infected with the Congo virus, making prevention and early detection critical in curbing its spread.

Local health authorities and medical professionals are working tirelessly to contain the outbreak and provide necessary medical care to the affected individuals. Meanwhile, the public is urged to take precautions, such as using tick repellents and wearing protective clothing when in areas where ticks may be present, as well as avoiding contact with the blood or tissues of animals suspected of carrying the virus.